| Summary: | Includes bibliographical references (page 400). Wetlands are found on every continent except Antarctica, about six percent of the land surface of the Earth. Though sometimes transient, wetlands are often long-lived and a form of landscape that Earth has regularly produced over the epochs of natural history. Wetlands may be the most threatened of all landscape types, also perhaps the most misunderstood. "Swamp", "bog", "mire" have negative connotations. Scientific understanding of wetlands has led to their better appreciation. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (commonly called the Ramsar Convention) has become increasingly important. The integrity of wetlands is closely linked to human well-being.
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